$185M in Corporate Money to Political Non-Profits Disclosed

Over one hundred top U.S. corporations have disclosed funneling $185 million to more than one thousand political non-profit organizations in 2012.

The Center for Public Integrity released a new report Thursday showing that one hundred companies voluntarily disclosed about $155 million going to trade associations, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute. Of those companies disclosing contributions, 62 gave a total of $11 million to the Chamber. Dow Chemical Company gave $2.9 million. The $11 million was a small part of the $188 million budget of the Chamber in 2012.

social welfare nonprofits

More than $5 million went to other organizations such as the Congressional Black Caucus, the Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Of those disclosing Exelon gave the most. Exelon Corporation disclosed giving $26.2 million in contributions. The largest $14.4 million went to the Nuclear Energy Institute, and $6.9 million went to the Edison Electric Institute. WellPoint Inc. disclosed giving $19.2 million. Microsoft Corporation disclosed giving $12.5 million.